Need Advice on How to Get Headlight Protection Film Adhesive Off, and a Few Questions About Polishing Headlights

[r00kie]

Hey all. Just joined the forum.

So I just took off some headlight protection film which the PO put on the car shortly before selling it (so its about 2/2.5 years old now) I believe its LaminX. I took it off using plenty of steam and took my time but it still left a bunch of adhesive residue behind. Pics attached below.

Tried applying some 3M adhesive remover on the passenger side headlight as a test as I have a spare headlight anyway, but it did not really help. Any tips on how to efficiently and safely remove the residue would be appreciated.

Also, regarding headlight polishing, which grit is recommended to stop at before applying clear (plan on using Spraymax 2k clear and headlight primer). I've heard mixed advice that ranges from stopping at around 800 grit so the clear has something to "grip" on to, to going all the way to over 4000 grit to get the lens as clear as possible. I tried restoring a third brake light as a test and went up to 5000 grit, and the clear came out cracked and uneven, could this be due to the surface not being scuffed up enough? Would appreciate some advice and tips on the whole headlight polishing process in general as I would like to get it right to first time so I don't waste time/money sanding off the 2k clear.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Hey all. Just joined the forum.

Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:

I just now found your post - empty of replies, while looking for another thread on pad priming. Apologies for not seeing this thread - it's all I can do to keep up with my forum group and my normal job duties.

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions-/

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/product-reviews-by-mike-phillips/

So I just took off some headlight protection film which the PO put on the car shortly before selling it (so its about 2/2.5 years old now) I believe its LaminX. I took it off using plenty of steam and took my time but it still left a bunch of adhesive residue behind.

Pics attached below.

Yep - that looks bad!

Tried applying some 3M adhesive remover on the passenger side headlight as a test as I have a spare headlight anyway, but it did not really help.

I'm surprised. 3M Adhesive Remover is stout stuff. I'd even say nasty.

Any tips on how to efficiently and safely remove the residue would be appreciated.

You're either going to chemically dissolve this adhesive off or use heat and a mechanical means to scrape it off.

Two suggestions.

First - I find that for this type of problem - you need to WET a microfiber towel with the adhesive remover and then lay it over the headlight and wait. Let TIME do it's thing. The solvent will need time to both penetrate into and soften the old adhesive. To merely spray some on and wipe isn't going to do it.

Second - You can try using a Hair Dryer to heat up the adhesive and bring it back to life or at least soften it. Then try to scrape the majority of it off with "something". Try a plastic razor blade, and old credit card, a popsicle stick, something that has an edge but won't scratch the headlight.


If the second approach is working - after getting most of the adhesive off - then clean again with the 3M Adhesive remover and let it dwell. Wear gloves.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Also, regarding headlight polishing, which grit is recommended to stop at before applying clear (plan on using Spraymax 2k clear and headlight primer).

I've heard mixed advice that ranges from stopping at around 800 grit so the clear has something to "grip" on to, to going all the way to over 4000 grit to get the lens as clear as possible. I tried restoring a third brake light as a test and went up to 5000 grit, and the clear came out cracked and uneven, could this be due to the surface not being scuffed up enough? Would appreciate some advice and tips on the whole headlight polishing process in general as I would like to get it right to first time so I don't waste time/money sanding off the 2k clear.

Thanks in advance!

Sorry, I don't have experience here, maybe someone else can chime in.

 

[r00kie]

Hey Mike,

Thanks for the info! I'll try giving the adhesive remover more time to do its job, might even add some heat as well. Would it be possible to just wet-sand the adhesive off or would that just grind the adhesive into the headlight and cause more scratching? I plan to wet-sand and polish the headlights anyway so I might be able to get two birds with one stone?